Admissions

Students can start the certificate with any of MEDG 580, 590, or 595.  Please note MEDG 580 is a pre-requisite for MEDG 585.

Applications will be accepted before the September and January intakes.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in Genetic Counselling or similar qualification
  • Demonstrated proficiency in English, if university education was not completed in English
⬇ More Information on English Language Requirements

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language prior to being extended an unconditional offer of admission. English language proficiency tests taken more than two years prior to application will not be considered. Unless otherwise stated, the score is the minimum on each part of the examination. Minimum scores must be achieved in a single sitting of the test (i.e., scores across multiple instances of a test may not be used to satisfy minimum component requirements).

Minimum acceptable English language proficiency scores for applicants to Graduate Studies are:

    • CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): B
    • CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): overall 70, with 60 on the speaking sub-test
    • CEL (UBC Certificate in English Language): 600
    • CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
      • CELPIT-A (Academic Reading and Writing): 4L
      • CELL (Listening): 4L
      • CELTOP (Speaking): 4L
    • CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C
    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System - Academic): 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
    • MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): 85 final score, with 3 in the speaking test
    • PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): 65 overall score, with 60 reading, 60 writing, 60 listening, and 60 speaking
    • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
      • Either the paper based test: 55 each for reading, listening, and writing, with 4.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE)
      • Or the internet-based test: 90 overall score, with 22 reading, 21 writing, 22 listening, and 21 speaking

Please see UBC Calendar English Language requirements for additional details

 

Applicants who do not meet these educational and professional requirements but can demonstrate knowledge or expertise that would prepare them adequately for successful study, may be granted admission on a case-by-case basis. This might include significant formal training and/or relevant professional experience.

Technology Note:

All students must have access to a computer and reliable internet connectivity, and have basic computer and internet literacy.

Students need a computer that:

  • runs one of the following operating systems: macOS 10.15.X (Catalina) or later, Ubuntu 18.X or later, Windows 7 or later

Also suggested:

  • has at least 50 GB disk space available
  • has at least 8 GB of RAM
  • uses a 64-bit CPU
  • is 4 years old or newer at the start of the program
  • uses English as the default language
  • student has full administrative access to device

Student Status Note:

Graduate certificate students are not admitted to the UBC Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Students therefore:

  • have library privileges equivalent to those of undergraduate students (for information visit the UBC Library website)
  • are not members of the Graduate Student Society
  • do not pay Capital Improvement Fund and Graduate Student Society fees